until what he called the worst day of his presidency, when he was told about the massacre at sandy hook elementary. he now mentions this effort nearly daily. >> to protect our children and protect them from the horrors of gun violence. protecting our children from harm. >> reporter: the public is behind the president on some proposals. gun show background checks, an owner database. banning high-capacity magazine clips. but a ban on assault weapons appears unlikely, as republicans push back. >> this is not designed to actually solve the problem of violent crime. this is designed to assuage liberal partisans. >> reporter: it's not just republicans. the white house admits not all democrats are on board. >> i do think things have changed since newtown. we're going to twist the arms of democrats and republicans and engage the american people in this debate. >> reporter: david kerley, abc news, washington. >>> as inauguration festivities get under way, the nation is pausing to pay tribute to martin luther king jr. commemorations are taking place around the country today, but community leaders